Boy to a Man : On Virat's incredible journey!

As we see the Indian Cricket Team rack a victory one after another, the captaincy of Virat Kohli has really come to the fore. It seems like yesterday that a 19 year old young chubby cricketer was leading the Under 19 team to the glory of the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. That chubby cricketer is now a relentless machine. Probably the most hardworking athlete India has ever produced, he goes from strength to strength while leading the side as an example. That burst of true energy has rubbed onto everyone else in the team and India look serious contenders with very little concerns. Virat has been the most fiery, charismatic character this generation has come across and yet for the past 2 years , there seems to be something that tells me he wants to be remembered not just as a great cricketer but also a very fine person. Here are a few reasons why I think so!

1. Captain Courageous 

The way Virat has backed some of his players, be it KL Rahul or Vijay Shankar has stood out. He has preferred a winning combination over axing a player marred in bad form. This shows his belief in his players. The result? Kl Rahul shifted to the opening slot after India got a huge setback in form of Shikhar Dhawan's injury and he has provided good stability at the top of the order. He has played the new ball well which has given the extra cushion to the middle order. Moreover, Kohli's bowling changes at critical junctures in the games have played their part. The move to bring Bumrah back for another spell when the match seemed to spill out of India's hands was a master stroke that paved the way towards a close win. The way Virat has shuffled the middle order and his optimum use of Hardik Pandya as a finisher has also been outstanding. Virat, the batsman has been a superstar from the time of his arrival in International Cricket, but it is Virat, the captain, who has been a delight to watch.

2. The Run Machine

By his standards, Virat has not really lit up the tournament the way he does. He is averaging close to 60 with 300+ runs and yet he desires more. This is a true testimony of his hunger and greatness. Teams in the competition would be wary of the fact that Virat has 4 consecutive 50+ scores ( a dream run for any batsman ) and yet a 100 has eluded him. His best is still to come. His best is scary. Virat has always had 100s in run chases for dinner. Maybe another one waits in the corner. Like any other captain, he too does not care about personal milestones when the team wins. So, while he may not lose any sleep over those missed opportunities, he is an ominous threat to every opposition India face.

3. Measured and Calm

Off late, MS Dhoni has been copping a lot of criticism for his Batting approach. Virat stuck his neck out for him and explained why he believes MS is such an important player to this team. This reflected maturity on his part and would have given MS immense confidence to become the force he has been for the Indian Team. Virat's behaviour has always been a talking point for everyone. Be it his fans, or the media or the opposition he's always been in the limelight for his aggression and win at all costs mentality. His dignity and calmness when facing the post games interviews or engaging with the opposition has been heartening. His gesture towards Steve Smith in one of the earlier games set an excellent example on how the game should be played. With respect, with dignity and chivalry. His aggression has always been his strength and I believe the day he tries to tone it down, he would not cast that same brilliance we have all been used to. While that aggression has been a part of his batting, it is his attitude, his beliefs and his respect towards the game which has impressed everyone. Let's hope he carries this persona forward and only let his batting do the talking to carry India towards his biggest dream, the World Cup !